THETFORD—Police funding is the key issue in Thetford’s proposed budget for 2021. The budget shows an 18.8 percent increase in police funding yet a line item shows a reduction in payroll which could mean a reduction in hours and pay of department personnel. Besides Chief Michael Evans, the police department consists of two other full-time […]
WOODSVILLE—With several questions about fire departments going to voters next month, Haverhill Town Manager Brigitte Codling last week presented her vision for the background and future of a town fire department. Currently, three of the town’s precincts—Haverhill Corner, North Haverhill, and Woodsville— independently operate their own fire department and maintain their own fire station, although […]
NEWBURY—Newbury residents seized on a meeting with state officials last week to voice their fears over a proposed juvenile detention facility in a former bed and breakfast. Chief among those concerns: What happens if there’s an escape or another emergency in a town without its own police or emergency responders? “This proposed detention facility threatens […]
WEST FAIRLEE—Fire officials said a family of three barely escaped with their lives after a fast-moving fire destroyed their historic split-level home at 3207 Blood Brook Road on Feb. 8. The fire was called in at 10:19 p.m., and within minutes dozens of firefighters and equipment from at least nine mutual aid communities had converged […]
TOPSHAM—The location for the town’s new garage is once again the top issue for voters. Topsham has been looking to build a new town garage for over a decade. The current building, located along Tabor Branch in East Topsham, is cramped and underequipped. Several initial proposals were rejected by voters or vetoed by state regulators. […]
BRADFORD—In an atmosphere charged with anticipation, the Bradford Armory was abuzz with chatter, tears and hugs on Saturday as Vermont National Guard soldiers departed for a year-long deployment abroad. Approximately 80 soldiers were given the big send-off by well-wishers at the armory and beyond. Flags, horns and sirens, balloons and “thank you” signs and banners […]
BRADFORD—It’s a town meeting season unlike any other in the past. With COVID-19 upending traditional practices, municipalities have been given some flexibility on how to conduct their annual town business meeting. But Zoom meetings and Australian ballots are not the only features for town meeting this year. In several area towns, there will be competitive […]
WELLS RIVER—Several positive COVID-19 cases in the community prompted pre-k-12 Blue Mountain Union School to move to remote learning on a full-time basis for the next three weeks. At least five people with Covid were within the school building last week. In a letter posted on Facebook, Orange East Supervisory Union Superintendent Emilie Knisley said […]
ORFORD—It appears that changes implemented over the past two years have resolved budgeting problems that led to an $800,000 deficit in 2018-2019. Early on in the Rivendell Interstate School District’s Feb. 4 board meeting, professional auditor Tyler Paine briefed the board on the district’s finances for the year ending June 31, 2020. In that period, […]
NEWBURY—Less than two years after the Oxbow Senior Independence Program celebrated its 30th anniversary, its day program has had to call it quits. The adult daily services program is yet another victim of the coronavirus pandemic. OSIP was founded in 1987 with a dual mission. The organization provides subsidized, independent housing for older adults and […]